)
Nigeria's Mikel Obi tried to get former club Chelsea to sign compatriot and Super Eagles star Victor Osimhen from SSC Napoli.
Former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel has shed light on Victor Osimhen's unsuccessful transfer from Napoli to Chelsea during the summer window.
The 2013 AFCON winner dismissed speculation that financial issues were the reason for the deal falling through.
)
05:11 - 09.09.2024
Off to a flier! One-cap Super Eagles defender wastes no time, bags first goal of the season in style
The versatile Super Eagles star was one of the scorers as Remo Stars kicked off the new season with an away win against Abia Warriors.
PAY ATTENTION: Join the BETTING PROF Telegram channel now
Speaking on a podcast, Mikel, who along with Didier Drogba played a key role in Chelsea's deadline day attempt to sign the unsettled Napoli striker, provided insider details on the negotiations.
"That's definitely not true," Mikel stated emphatically, refuting claims about excessive financial demands. "I know what Victor wanted, I know what the club offered him, I know where we got to."
The former Nigerian international explained that both parties had reached a compromise on several issues, but a few final details couldn't be resolved in time.
"We finally got to a compromise, both sides had to compromise on a few issues that we just couldn't get over the line and then, we didn't have much time," Mikel revealed.
)
He praised Chelsea's ambition and commitment to securing the deal, saying, "I commend Chelsea for that because I could see the ambition of where they want to take the club."
Mikel also hinted at the possibility of rekindling the transfer in upcoming windows.
"If we have to pick this up back again (in January or summer), we know where we are, where we have stopped and just a little details that need to be finalised and the deal will be done," he stated.
The former Chelsea star concluded by assuring that both Chelsea and Osimhen were satisfied with the current situation, despite the transfer not materialising.
)
"The club is in a happy place and Victor is happy with the club," Mikel added.
Mikel's revelations provide a clearer picture of the complex negotiations that took place and suggest that Osimhen's potential move to Stamford Bridge may not be completely off the table for future transfer windows.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)